I'm a 74-year-old widow and have a wonderful 14-year-old dalmatian called Jazz acquired from an RSPCA rescue centre when she was a year old. I have always had pet insurance for Jazz through Direct Line but now she is getting older, the premiums have soared. In 2007, I was paying £34.06 per month but I have just been asked to renew at £51.80, an increase of more than 50% in two years. It makes owning a pet very difficult for pensioners yet this is the time in my life when a pet provides the necessary companionship and exercise which are difficult to come by. I think this socially irresponsible form of behaviour needs to be exposed. BP, Dorking, Surrey

It is clear, following a long telephone conversation, just how much Jazz means to you and how much you love her. Insurance, unfortunately, is a profit-making business and the older Jazz gets the more likely it is she will need medical attention. You have done quite well in complaining to Direct Line, which has now reduced the premiums to £46.62.

The RSPCA strongly recommends pet insurance and points out that vets' bills can run to thousands of pounds. I checked the premium for Jazz with the RSPCA's own insurance scheme and Direct Line is cheaper. It considers the premium fair and points out veterinary fees are rising at 12% a year. If that is true, then vets have some explaining to do. As final advice, if you get into real financial difficulties, you must contact your local animal charities – they will try to help with what is a thoroughly deserving case.